Arranging care can feel daunting, and many people don’t know where to start. Here we explain, step by step, how live-in care is usually set up, based on many years’ experience of what makes it a success.
For families who have arranged other kinds of care, live-in care may still be something new. These are the main steps in arranging live-in care at home, including some of the common challenges and how we help with them.
Live-in care starts with getting to know the person. What makes it work is understanding who they are: their life, experiences, values and beliefs, interests and hobbies. Alongside this, the assessment looks at physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs, medical history, current health, and any risks in the home. Families often have goals too, usually around building and keeping independence, dignity and quality of life.
The assessment often brings worries to the surface. This is perfectly natural, and it’s much better to talk them through than to set them aside, as they tend to resurface later.
Common concerns include losing privacy and independence, whether the person will get on with their care companion, how family relationships might change, and simply the emotional side of accepting help. Setting out preferences for personal space in the care plan, honest conversation, and our careful introduction process all help.
After the assessment, we look for the best possible match. We put forward profiles of suitable care companions, and you and your family choose who you’d like to speak to.
An introduction is then arranged, in person, by video or by phone, so everyone can get a feel for one another. There’s no commitment from either side at this stage, and everyone has time to consider whether the match could work.
Rather than asking you to commit to a long-term arrangement from the outset, live-in care usually begins with a settling-in period. It gives everyone time to get used to the new situation, especially if this is the first time the person has received care.
Your care companion will develop a personalised care plan with you, your family and any health professionals involved. It covers care needs, but also lifestyle, preferences, and social and emotional support.
At four weeks, or sooner if needed, there’s an important opportunity to review how everything is going. It’s common for a few adjustments to be needed so that everything feels settled.
The care plan evolves as needs and wishes change. With one-to-one support, a care companion can notice changes in health and wellbeing and involve family and professionals when more support is needed. By this point it’s usually clear that a good match has been made, and regular reviews keep the relationship working well.
To keep care running smoothly, we can introduce you to other suitable care companions to cover your main care companion’s breaks. In some cases we help set up an ongoing pattern where two care companions share the role in rotation. There’s no obligation to use additional care companions, as some families prefer to be involved in covering breaks and holidays themselves.
Thinking about the practicalities early on helps make live-in care a success.
A private room for the care companion is essential, with a bed and somewhere to hang clothes. A sofa bed in a lounge is far from ideal and isn’t a long-term solution. A television is a nice touch, but WiFi is essential.
A private bathroom is ideal but rarely the reality. Where a bathroom is shared, it simply helps for everyone to understand that from the outset.
We’ll find out whether the person would like meals prepared, or to cook together and share mealtimes. Sharing a kitchen can take a little adjusting, but your care companion will respect how you like things done.
Care companions aren’t professional cleaners; their role is care and companionship. They will keep on top of light day-to-day tasks, cleaning as they go, along with weekly tasks such as the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and linen.
Usually the care companion receives a separate weekly food allowance, so they can buy food they enjoy and that meets their dietary needs. Sometimes items are added to the household shopping instead. This is all agreed at the outset.
Our article on preparing your home for a live-in care companion has more practical tips.
You don’t need to have everything worked out. We’ll guide you through each step.
Call 01730 624 070Call the team to talk through your situation. We’ll listen, explain the options, and help you work out what might suit you best.
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